Our Emissions Map
The "Emissions Map" is an innovative interactive exhibit developed for display at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. Its design facilitates a unique, engaging experience where guests interact with a dynamic map reflecting real-time changes based on their choices. Visitors start by scanning a QR code at the exhibit's table, which leads them to a decision-making platform. Here, they can make policy choices on behalf of different countries, each choice rooted in actual climate policies and sourced from official UN documents.
As participants make selections, the exhibit provides immediate feedback on the impact of these choices on regional carbon emissions and the broader fight against climate change. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a dynamic map, visually representing these impacts. Initially, much of the map displays in bright red, symbolizing current carbon emission levels. However, as guests make informed, positive choices, the map transforms. Regions start to turn blue, and their associated 'impact circles' reduce in size, visually conveying the collective effort towards reducing carbon emissions.
Starting with my initial concept pitch. My responsibilities extended to developing the website and backend functionalities. We utilized Squarespace for the user-facing website, chosen for its seamless integration with our Firebase database. This database then connected to our Unity-based map project. As someone new to web development, this project was both a challenge and a tremendous learning opportunity. The success of the exhibit on presentation day, functioning flawlessly, was a testament to the hard work everyone on our team put into its creation.